‘If we want America to stay on the cutting edge, we need young Americans to master the tools and technology that will change the way we do just about everything’- Barrack Obama

Nations which have progressed consistently have been well cognizant of the need to Skill their young consistently and with a plan. To bridge the gap between industry needs and required manpower skills in India today, quality higher education is key. 

The valuable asset of skill-oriented education can provide enormous returns like increasing the probability of gaining higher incomes, creating better-paying jobs as well as boosting living standards. With the global market becoming competitive by the minute, it is imperative to alter the higher education system in India and align it to the needs of the ever-evolving work landscape. The good news is, the Indian higher education system is stepping up to do just that!

With the rapid pace of technological development, many job roles require specific, highly specialized skills that can be difficult for job seekers to acquire without the proper educational guidance, which starts early.

To bridge this gap, the education system must provide a comprehensive system of instruction that focuses on preparing students for the modern workplace. This should include teaching core academic skills such as math, writing, and research skills, but also more specialized skills related to the specific industry. For example, students majoring in engineering should be taught coding, robotics, and other technical skills that are essential to the field.

One google search is all that it takes to get a world of information within the palm of your hands. Hence, it is necessary to provide not just content but also the context in learning. By encouraging and promoting classroom digitization along with online learning, Indian higher education is redefining traditional education approaches. Introducing tech-enabled learning methods such as smart boards, gaming interventions and podcasts have enabled updating of curriculums while also making learning more accessible, engaging and immersive.

In addition, the education system should actively seek to form partnerships with employers in order to better understand the skills needed in the current job market. This can be achieved by regularly inviting employers to speak to students and share their knowledge, or even through virtual job fairs where job seekers can directly connect with recruiters. This would help anticipate the job market trends, and stay relevant and up to date with the emerging scenarios.

Finally, the education system should ensure that students are made aware of the different job opportunities available and provide guidance in finding the most suitable role. This could include advice on how to effectively write a resume and cover letter, how to network and make connections, and how to prepare for job interviews.

By providing a comprehensive system of instruction and actively engaging with employers, the education system can play a vital role in closing the skill gap and helping job seekers access the roles they are best suited for.